Lexie Boardman
Dutch racing driver Dilano van ’t Hoff has died after a crash in the Formula Regional European Championship on Saturday.
The accident took place during the second race of the Formula Regional European Championships (FRECA) at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, MP Motorsport confirmed.
The multiple-car incident occurred during a restart in wet conditions.
French racing driver Anthoine Hubert also tragically lost his life during a Formula Two race at the same circuit in 2019.
In poor visibility, Van ‘t Hoff appeared to lose control of his car and was hit at high speed by the RP Motorsport car driven by Adam Fitzgerald.
The MP Motorsport driver was a rising talent hoping to make the step up into Formula One.
“Dilano has been a part of our racing family since his motorsport debut with MP back in 2021.”
In a statement, Van ’t Hoff’s MP team said: “We are devastated at the loss of one of our brightest Dutch talents, who brought so much energy to our team during the years he raced with us.
“Dilano has been a part of our racing family since his motorsport debut with MP back in 2021. We offer our sincere condolences to Dilano’s family and his loved ones, and are in full support of them and our team members who have lost not only a driver but a friend as well.”
“Dilano died in pursuit of his dream to reach the pinnacle of motor sport.”
Formula One’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, said to the Guardian: “We are so sad to learn of the passing of Dilano van ’t Hoff today at Spa-Francorchamps. Dilano died in pursuit of his dream to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. Along with the entire motorsport community, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Formula One racers shared their condolences on Twitter. Max Verstappen said: “Extremely sad to hear the news about Dilano today. I want to send my condolences to Dilano’s family and loved ones. Rest in Peace.”
Scuderia Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz said: “It is an extremely sad day for the entire motorsport family and my thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.”
There was a minute’s silence before the Formula Two sprint race at the Red Bull ring. Drivers stood at the front of the grid to pay their respects.
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Featured image courtesy of Lucas Raich via Wikimedia Commons. Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.
Lexie Boardman
I am a 21-year-old journalism graduate studying MSc Media Psychology, passionate about music, sports (especially motorsport), sustainability and wellbeing.